The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Washington Commanders made a significant addition by selecting a promising linebacker with their top pick. But for general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn and their staff, the real work is just beginning. Washington enters Day 2 of the draft with multiple selections, giving them prime opportunities to address several remaining roster needs. According to Commanders Wire and USA Today, the team has a clear picture of the best available players who could fill those holes.
Let's break down the landscape of available talent as the Commanders prepare for Rounds 2 and 3. This isn't just a list of names; it's a roadmap for how Washington can continue building a contender.
The State of the Roster After Round 1
With their first-round pick used on linebacker Sonny Styles from Ohio State, the Commanders addressed a critical need for a dynamic presence at the second level of the defense. However, the roster still shows clear areas of concern. The offensive line needs depth and a potential starter at guard or tackle. The defensive front could use another pass rusher to complement Montez Sweat and Chase Young. The secondary, particularly at cornerback, remains a work in progress. And linebacker -- both off-ball and edge -- is a position where the team could add high-upside talent.
Fortunately, Day 2 of the draft is where the Commanders have historically found value. With picks in the second and third rounds, Washington is positioned to add players who can contribute immediately while still offering long-term potential.
Top 50 Available Players by Position
Here's a comprehensive look at the best prospects still on the board, organized by position, that the Commanders should have circled on their draft board.
Offensive Line (Tackles & Guards)
The offensive line was a major concern in 2025, and while the team added some veteran pieces in free agency, adding a young, athletic tackle or guard would be a smart move.
- Tyler Booker, G, Alabama - A mauler in the run game with surprising mobility for his size. Could compete for a starting guard spot immediately.
- Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame - If he's somehow still available, Alt is a plug-and-play left tackle prospect with elite length and footwork. A pipe dream at this point, but you never know.
- JC Latham, OT, Alabama - A massive right tackle prospect with powerful hands. Needs to improve his lateral agility, but the raw tools are undeniable.
- Christian Haynes, G, UConn - A technician with good hand placement and leverage. Could be a steal in the third round.
- Dominick Puni, OT/G, Kansas - Versatile enough to play tackle or guard. His experience and mean streak make him a favorite for a zone-blocking scheme.
Defensive Line & Edge Rushers
Washington invested heavily in the defensive line in recent years, but you can never have too many pass rushers. A disruptive interior player or an edge rusher with bend and burst would be a welcome addition.
- Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State - High-effort, high-motor rusher with a variety of pass-rush moves. He'd immediately improve the second wave of pass rushers.
- Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA - The most polished pass rusher in the class from a technical standpoint. Medical concerns might push him down, but his production is elite.
- Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama - A twitchy, explosive off-ball linebacker/edge hybrid. Needs to add weight, but his speed is a weapon.
- Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas - An under-tackle who can penetrate gaps and disrupt backfields. He'd be a perfect complement to Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.
- T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas - A massive 1-tech who eats double teams. He's a run-stuffing specialist who improves the entire front.
Linebackers
The Commanders need a long-term solution at linebacker. Whether it's a sideline-to-sideline thumper or a coverage specialist, Day 2 offers plenty of options.
- Payton Wilson, LB, NC State - A tackling machine with excellent instincts. Medical concerns might cause a slide, but if healthy, he's a three-down linebacker.
- Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M - Explosive and fluid in coverage. He can line up as an off-ball backer or rush off the edge.
- Junior Colson, LB, Michigan - A smart, disciplined leader who diagnoses plays quickly. Not the most athletic, but he rarely misses tackles.
- Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky - A freak athlete who can chase down plays from sideline to sideline. Needs to refine his instincts, but the ceiling is sky-high.
Cornerbacks
The secondary was a weak point in 2025, and adding a young, athletic corner who can either start outside or compete in the slot should be a priority.
- Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa - A versatile defensive back who can play outside, in the slot, or even safety. His ball skills are elite, and he's a weapon on special teams.
- Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson - A long, press-coverage corner with elite speed. Needs to get stronger against the run, but his coverage instincts are excellent.
- Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama - A shutdown corner with fluid hips and phenomenal ball tracking. He could start day one outside for Washington.
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri - A physical, competitive corner who excels in press-man coverage. He's a tone-setter in the secondary.
- Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame - A size-speed prospect who ran well and has good length. A developmental piece with starting upside.
Safety
The team has a solid duo in Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest, but adding a centerfielder or a hybrid safety who can play in the box would add depth and versatility.
- Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota - A ball-hawking safety with excellent range. He reads quarterbacks well and has a knack for interceptions.
- Javon Bullard, S, Georgia - A versatile safety who can play deep or in the box. He's a physical tackler and a leader on defense.
- Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami - A rangy free safety with good instincts. He'll need to clean up his tackling, but his coverage skills are top-tier.
Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
Even with Styles added up front, the Commanders could still use more weapons in the passing game. A big-bodied receiver or a move tight end would add a different dimension.
- Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas - A speed demon who can take the top off a defense. He's a vertical threat who would stretch the field for Terry McLaurin.
- Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia - A polished route-runner with quick feet and reliable hands. He'd be a fantastic slot weapon for the quarterback.
- Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia - If he's still around, this is an immediate steal. Bowers is a generational talent at tight end who can line up anywhere.
- Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State - A versatile, athletic tight end who can block and catch. He'd be a great security blanket for the quarterback.
Quarterback (If They Hadn't Already Addressed It)
Let's assume the Commanders are set or have at least addressed the position in recent moves. If not, Day 2 would be the time to grab a developmental quarterback.
- Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington - A left-handed gunslinger with arm talent. Ball security is a concern, but he's a proven winner.
- J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan - A winner with elite intangibles. His physical tools are good, but he needs to prove he can carry a team.
- Bo Nix, QB, Oregon - A polished, experienced quarterback with good athleticism. He's a candidate to start early if given the chance.
Running Backs
Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson form a solid duo, but adding a change-of-pace back with explosiveness would be a luxury worth exploring.
- Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon - A creative, elusive runner who makes defenders miss in space. He's a weapon in the passing game.
- Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky - A powerful, downhill runner who wears down defenses. He's a perfect back for short-yardage situations.
- MarShawn Lloyd, RB, USC - A bursty runner with home-run speed. He needs to improve his consistency, but the big-play potential is real.
Strategic Breakdown: What Should the Commanders Do?
With the top 50 available players laid out, let's get into the strategy for Washington's Day 2 picks.
Round 2, Pick 40 overall: The Commanders should prioritize offensive line or linebacker here. If Tyler Booker or Joe Alt somehow falls, that's a no-brainer. More realistically, a player like Payton Wilson or Edgerrin Cooper at linebacker would add a young, athletic playmaker to the second level. If a top corner like Cooper DeJean or Nate Wiggins slides, that would be tough to pass up.
Round 3, Pick 72 overall: This is where Washington should look for value at positions of need like cornerback, defensive line, or wide receiver. A player like Ladd McConkey in the slot or a developmental corner like Cam Hart would fit perfectly. If a pass rusher like Jared Verse or Laiatu Latu is still on the board, that's a steal.
Later Day 2 picks: The Commanders also have additional picks in the third round, giving them flexibility. They could trade up for a specific target or trade back to accumulate more capital. Given the depth of this draft class, trading back to add Day 3 picks might be the smartest move.
Final Thoughts
The Commanders are in an enviable position entering Day 2. Their first-round pick addressed a major need, and now they have the draft capital to fill remaining gaps with high-quality prospects. The key will be staying disciplined -- avoiding the temptation to reach for a player at a position of need and instead trusting the board.
As Commanders Wire and USA Today highlighted, the list of available talent is deep. If Washington plays its cards right, this draft could provide the foundation for sustained success. The roster is closer to contention than many realize, and two strong days of drafting could be the difference between another rebuild and a playoff push.
Stay tuned -- Day 2 promises to be a wild ride in the nation's capital.
